Block, wheel, bolster, strap: what yoga props are for

Yoga props exist to fit the pose to the body, not the body to the pose. A block “raises the floor”, a strap lengthens the arms, a bolster supports the body in resting poses, a wheel helps with backbends, and balls and a cork roller loosen muscles after practice. To start, a block and a strap are enough.

Block: the floor closer to your hand

A block goes under the hand in standing poses when the floor is too far away, or under the sitting bones to straighten the back when seated. It has three heights because it has three sides. A solid cork block is heavier than foam and does not slide from under the hand; foam is lighter and better for travel.

Strap: longer arms

A strap lets you hold the foot or join the hands behind the back when a few centimetres are missing. In forward folds the back then stays long instead of rounding. The most comfortable is cotton, about 180 centimetres long, with a metal buckle.

Bolster and cushion: rest and meditation

A bolster goes under the knees, back or hips in poses where the body should rest rather than work. A meditation cushion lifts the hips above the knees, making it easier to keep the spine upright in a seated position for longer.

Wheel: backbends

A wheel about 33 centimetres across lets you lie back over an arc and open the chest more gently than on the floor. Start with a few breaths, not minutes, and do not roll it under the lower back.

Balls, cork roller and bands: before and after practice

• Cork balls (6, 8 and 10 cm) — under the foot, between the shoulder blades, under the glutes, to release tight spots.
• Cork massage roller — calves, thighs and lower back after a run or a long day of sitting.
• Resistance bands — warm-up, shoulder and hip work, strength exercises without weights.

If you have an injury, pain or are pregnant, choose props and poses together with a teacher or physiotherapist. The block, strap, bolster, wheel, balls and bands are in the Yoga section, and mat care is covered in How to care for a yoga mat.